Euphorbia Ingens (Cowboy Cactus)

The Euphorbias or Cowboy Cactus is very easy to care for. This plant requires a little pampering to become established, but once it is it’s self-sufficient. In fact, more die from too much care and watering than from neglect. Make sure you give your Euphorbias well-draining soil and lots of sunlight.

The Cowboy Cactus is a striking, unusual plant that will grow tall and elegant with the right care. It’s a perfect plant for urban living and because it’s a fast grower, it’s much better value than similar-sized cacti.

Quick Guide

Light: High or Direct Light
Watering: Only water in summer, avoid watering between October and March
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs

Care Guide: Ideal For Beginners

Ideal Location: Dry sunny spot

Size: W21cm x H80cm 

Houseplants Care

Although the care of houseplants can vary from species to species because they all come from different environments around the world there are a few basic rules to follow that will ensure you have the best chance of success keeping your plant healthy and well in your home. 

Light

Light is critical for any plant, most houseplants will thrive in indirect light throughout the whole day. In general, plants that have variegated leaves or flowers will require more light than other plants. Cactus or succulents are typically the only plants that can tolerate direct light in the summer months. Move plants away from direct light in the summer to avoid burned leaves. 

Temperature

Most houseplants you buy will thrive between 60-72 Fahrenheit, if your plant becomes too cold or too hot it will show signs of distress such as dropped leaves or wilting. Most modern homes will stay between these temperatures but if you go away remember to move your plants to a warm spot in winter or away from direct sunlight in summer. 

Watering

Watering little and often through the growing season is ideal with less watering in the winter months when most plants become dormant and stop growing. The frequency of watering will vary depending on the size of your plant, the size of your planter, the location of your plant and the type of soil you use. Typically we recommend checking the soil carefully before you water, to ensure the soil has not become waterlogged, the soil should dry out completely between each watering. Overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants, if you overwater and your plant is dying, repot immediately.  

Humidity

Almost all the houseplants you find for sale will naturally grow in the warm and humid tropics. Most modern centrally heated homes are dry in winter so almost all plants will benefit from regular misting or being placed on a tray of pebbles with a small amount of water that will naturally evaporate into the air. Plants also can also benefit from being placed and grown together to create a natural microclimate. 

Feeding

Feeding your plants through the growing season can have a real impact. Using a good quality feed like Happy Houseplants own vegan plant food can boost your plant immune system and help it grow quickly. 

When to Repot?

Most plants will be very happy for 1 to 2 years in the pot they arrive in but depending on the growth of your plant when it does require repotting a planter 2/3 inches bigger is usually enough. Most plants will respond well to repotting growing well after the roots have been disturbed allowing more room and oxygen into the soil. Use a general-purpose potting soil (John Innes number 3) and ensure any planter you use has sufficient drainage which is critical. 

Problems

All plants take time to recover being moved from grower to seller to their new home, some plants will look sad for a few weeks but this is normal and they will recover when they have adapted to their new home. Sometimes plants need a bit more care, be confident changing your routine or moving a plant to see if it will grow better in a new spot.

Long Stems or ‘leggy’ plants usually means your light levels are too low. 

Wilting and Drooping Leaves means you have usually been under-watering. Almost all plants will recover quickly if you soak and drain the soil. 

Faded Variegation usually means the plant is not getting enough indirect light. try moving your plant to a different spot.